Viagra - what every woman needs to know

The love potion for impotent men is still misunderstood, says sex therapist Anna Kingsley

It doesnt produce an instant erection

There needs to be sexual contact to kick-start Viagra into action. You cant just watch telly in the kitchen and wait for your chap to call you when hes ready. It takes two to tango, remember.

He still needs to fancy you

Many women complain that chemically induced sex isnt the real thing. But Viagra doesnt affect desire  it doesnt skyrocket a mans sex drive or arouse him. Hes still got to find you a turn-on for the pills to work.

Women benefit tooViagra cant turn men into great lovers  poor communication and poor technique will never be fixed by pill. Nevertheless, 50 per cent of women whose partners take the drug say their sex life has improved, a third claim they feel more emotionally intimate, and one in five say the drug has saved their relationship.

You may find that it changes the nature of your sex life

If youve been focusing on other things to distract yourselves from his impotence, you may lament a reduced emphasis on oral sex or foreplay once his erection returns. Some women feel compelled to have sex on demand because they dont want to let their partner down or waste a pill. Others find the new pressure to be sexual takes some getting used to.

Be careful what you wish for

Viagra drastically shortens the time between climaxing and achieving another erection. Men may think thats a plus, but not all women want an interminable sex session. Prolonged intercourse, particularly without sufficient lubrication, can do damage. It can lead to vaginal abrasions and even tearing, and can expose a woman to risk of getting yeast infections.

It can take a bit of planning

Viagra is most effective if taken an hour before having sex. Wait at least half an hour so that the medication can work. And avoid grabbing a burger first: a high fat content in his blood will slow down its effectiveness. Steer clear of too much booze or he may faint or get dizzy. Dont let him take Viagra more than once a day and dont bother taking it yourself  it doesnt boost a womans sex drive.

There are many alternatives

Newer drugs such as Levitra and Cialis work on the same principle as Viagra, but they work faster and last longer (Cialis works for 36 hours, Viagra for four). Natural remedies include ginkgo biloba, ginseng and reflexology.

Its not for everyone

Viagra works for about 80 per cent of men, but its important to note that you mustnt take it if youve got certain heart conditions, and it can interfere with various medications for cholesterol and high blood pressure. Get the once-over from your GP before taking it; bypassing the doc and buying it online or through friends is illegal, not to mention risky.

You can get it on the NHS

Your GP can write a prescription if you have diabetes, kidney trouble, MS, Parkinsons, prostate surgery or some forms of cancer.